Obituary of Manuel Tomaz Bettencourt

Manuel Tomaz Bettencourt, 81, of Peabody, passed away early Saturday morning at the NSMC-Union Hospital in Lynn, surrounded by his family, following an illness. He was the beloved husband of Maria L. Bettencourt. Manuel was born on July 3, 1936, in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal, son of the late Manuel T. and Maria (Candida) Bettencourt. He was raised and educated in Graciosa and served in the Portuguese military, having been stationed in India and Mozambique. He emigrated to the United States in 1966. Prior to his retirement, Manuel worked for many years in the leather industry, primarily in Peabody. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church, a member of the Clube de Luis Camoes, and a member of the Azorean Brotherhood of the Divine Holy Ghost, all in Peabody. He also enjoyed making wine, tending to his garden, traveling back to his home island of Graciosa, and watching his favorite soccer team, Sporting. Most importantly, he enjoyed being surrounded by his loving family, for whom he worked hard and tirelessly to always provide for them. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his children and their spouses: Larry & Melissa Bettencourt of Peabody, Christina & Brian Bernard of Quincy; his grandchildren: Emily and Jacob Bettencourt, and Maria Bernard; his brother and sister-in-law: Balbino and Conceicao Bettencourt of Peabody and their son, David Bettencourt; as well as 6 godchildren, extended family members and friends. A Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 12 from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. His funeral will be held on Friday, April 13, at 8:00 AM at the funeral home followed by a funeral mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 50 Walsh Ave., Peabody at 9:00 AM. He will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem.